The Last Ringbearer
Just sticking a pin in this for later. A Russian version of LotR that recasts the baddies as goodies? Fascinating. So far not published in English, due to fears of Tolkien lawsuits, but available for download. http://www.salon.com/entertainment/movies/the_lord_of_the_rings/index.html?story=/books/laura_miller/2011/02/15/last_ringbearer